Physical-virtual patient bed system

ABSTRACT

A patient simulation system for healthcare training is provided. The system includes one or more interchangeable shells comprising a physical anatomical model of at least a portion of a patient&#39;s body, the shell adapted to be illuminated from behind to provide one or more dynamic images viewable on the outer surface of the shells; a support system adapted to receive the shells via a mounting system, wherein the system comprises one or more image units adapted to render the one or more dynamic images viewable on the outer surface of the shells; one or more interface devices located about the patient shells to receive input and provide output; and one or more computing units in communication with the image units and interface devices, the computing units adapted to provide an interactive simulation for healthcare training.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/792,615 filed Mar. 15, 2013, incorporated herein by reference inits entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a patient simulator system for healthcaretraining, and more specifically to a realistic physical-virtual patientsimulator bed system for healthcare training.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are presently a number of patient simulator systems for traininghealthcare personnel, including fully screen-based simulated systems andmannequin systems, including robotic Human Patient Simulators (HPS). Inthe screen-based systems, a computer-based virtual patient is displayedon a screen. The visual appearance could include 2D computer graphics,3D graphics, stereo, or head-tracked imagery. However there is typicallyno physical interaction with anything resembling a real physicalpatient. The mannequin-based simulators are typically computercontrolled/robotic and can be programmed for a range of responses thatsimulate a variety of healthcare symptoms and problems. They are able tosimulate physical symptoms that can be checked such as heart rate, bloodpressure, and simulated breathing. The available simulators range fromrelatively simple and inexpensive mannequins (a.k.a. “manikins”) usefulfor basic “part task” training, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.6,227,864. Other available patient simulator mannequins utilize complexcomputer controlled systems to provide more realistic environments, asdisclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,728. Unfortunately, themannequin's visual appearance and certain behaviors are often static andunrealistic—there is typically no ability to change such things as theskin color, the skin temperature, the patient race or gender, nor thepatient shape/size. Most patient simulators also have no way of sensingthe touch (location and force) of the healthcare provider; hence thesimulated patient is unable to react to physical contact, neitherphysiologically nor emotionally.

More realistic mannequins and figures are often used in amusement andtheme parks to entertain guests. These devices can use, for example, afilm image projected on the face to animate its expression. Onetechnique, known as the front projection technique, involves projectingthe film image directly onto the outer surface of the figure's face froma concealed source in front of the face. A second technique, shown inU.S. Pat. Nos. 5,221,937, and 6,467,908, and published Application No.US20120285978, for example, uses back projection that involvesprojecting the film image, usually by one or more reflectors, onto theback of the figure's face from a remote film source to animate thefacial expression of the figure. However, these animated figures do notprovide the full functionality and interactivity needed in a healthcaretraining situation.

Hence, there is a need for a patient simulator for healthcare trainingthat combines both physical and virtual realities in a system that isnot only customizable to a large number of scenarios but also realisticto provide complete physiological simulation necessary for propertraining.

The present invention is designed to address these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Broadly speaking, the invention comprises an improved system, method,and computer-readable media for a patient simulator for healthcaretraining that combines physical and virtual realities, hereinafterreferred to as a Physical-Virtual Patient Bed (PVPB) system.

The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as asystem, a device/apparatus, a method, or a computer readable medium.Several example embodiments of the invention are discussed below.

As a system, an embodiment of the invention includes a translucent ortransparent patient shell secured to a patient bed system. The shell hasa fully or partially open back side to allow for illumination frombehind. The shell may be secured to a rigid frame to allow the frame tobe interchangeably mounted to the bed system. The shell is illuminatedfrom below by one or more image projectors in the bed system adapted torender dynamic patient imagery onto the underneath of the shell so thatthe image appears on the surface of the shell in a realistic manner. Oneor more computing units including memory and a processor unitcommunicate with the projectors and other sensory and interactivedevices to provide the interactive simulation. Sensory and interactivedevices include, but are not limited to, optical touch sensing devices,targeted temperature feedback devices, audio-based tactile sense ofpulse devices, and spatial audio components with signal processingdevice to simulate vital signs. The system further includesinterchangeable human shells and parts of human shells representing bodyparts capable of being secured to and used with the patient bed systemwithout having to change out the expensive and sensitive components thatremain fixed in the patient bed system.

In a specific embodiment, a patient simulation system for healthcaretraining is provided, comprising: a shell of a physical anatomical modelof at least a portion of a patient's body, the shell adapted to beilluminated from behind to provide one or more dynamic images viewableon the outer surface of the shell; a bed system adapted to receive theshell via a mounting system, wherein the bed system has one or moreimage units adapted to render the one or more dynamic images viewable onthe outer surface of the shell; one or more interface devices locatedabout the patient shell to receive input and provide output; and one ormore computing units in communication with the image units and interfacedevices, the computing units adapted to provide an interactivesimulation for healthcare training.

Further refinements include wherein the shell is at least in parttranslucent or transparent for illumination from behind by the one ormore image units; wherein the shell includes one or more interchangeablehuman-shaped shells and interchangeable parts of human-shaped shellsrepresenting body parts, adapted to be secured via the mounting systemto the bed system; wherein an underneath surface of the shell has rearprojection screen material to permit better visualization of the one ormore dynamic images viewable on the outer surface of the shell; whereinthe shell has one or more openings on a back side thereof to allow forunobstructed rendering of the one or more dynamic images by the one ormore image units; wherein the shell is an upper longitudinal slice of aprone human figure having a partially or fully open back to allow forunobstructed rendering of the one or more dynamic images by the one ormore image units; and wherein the shell has one or more additionalseparations or flexible portions to allow for movement of the shell onan articulating bed system.

Aspects of the invention further include wherein the one or more imageunits render dynamic patient imagery from behind onto an underneath ofthe shell so that the one or more images viewable on the outer surfaceof the shell simulate viewable conditions including one or more of skincolor, skin condition, and facial expressions.

The one or more interface devices may include one or more sensorydevices, interactive devices, and output devices, such as one or moreoptical touch sensing devices, targeted temperature feedback devices,audio-based tactile sense of pulse devices, and spatial audio componentswith signal processing to simulate vital signs.

In certain embodiments, the bed system includes an upper assemblyadapted to resemble a standard hospital bed or gurney, and a lowerassembly adapted to house the one or more image units, interfacedevices, and computing units. The one or more image units include one ormore projectors and one or more mirrors coupled to a support in thelower assembly and arranged with proper alignment, registration, andfocus, so that a projected image will properly project onto theunderneath surface of the shell and show through on the outer surface ofthe shell. The plurality of projectors may span the portion of the bedsystem that will be occupied by the shell so that each of the pluralityof projectors are positioned to cover a different portion of the shell.

As a method, an embodiment comprises implementing one or more patientsimulations using the PVPB system for healthcare training. The method ofthe present invention may be implemented in conjunction with a computingdevice and as part of a computer program product with a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium having code thereon. The computing device mayinclude at least one processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and aprogram residing in the memory which implements the methods of thepresent invention.

Aspects of the invention include a method for implementing one or morepatient simulations using a patient simulation system having a shellcomprising a physical anatomical model of at least a portion of apatient's body and a bed system adapted to receive the shell, the methodincluding: illuminating the shell from behind to provide one or moredynamic images viewable on the outer surface of the shell via one ormore image units adapted to render the one or more dynamic imagesviewable on the outer surface of the shell; interfacing with one or moreinterface devices located about the patient shell to receive input andprovide output as part of the simulation; and providing an interactivesimulation for healthcare training via one or more computing units incommunication with the image units and interface devices.

The advantages of the invention are numerous, including cost and visualrealism. In terms of cost, because of the interchangeability of theshells with the expensive components remaining fixed in the bed system,the system would be relatively inexpensive compared to an HPS. Inaddition, the system provides very realistic dynamic visual appearances,including “human” patients that can turn and look at you, appear pale orflush, appear to cry, smile, etc., to provide a more realisticexperience. The system may be used for a range of civilian and militaryhealthcare training, including physicians, nurses (including for examplenurse practitioners), healthcare technicians, emergency healthcaretechnicians, paramedics, administrative staff, and even hospitalvolunteers. The conventional HPS does not change visual appearance inany way. It cannot change skin color per certain healthcare conditions,cannot simulate wounds graphically under computer control, cannot appearto change gender or race, cannot exhibit live facial expressions (e.g.,smile, frown, or look frightened), and cannot move or give theappearance of moving body parts such as heads or limbs. Advantageously,the system herein realistically simulates a human patient in a hospitalbed in a way that supports changing appearance (e.g., race and varioushealthcare symptoms), alterable size (e.g., child or adult), certainphysiological signals, along with apparent or actual motion of bodyparts.

Accordingly, aspects of the present invention provide for simulation ofa human patient in a hospital bed in a way that supports changingappearance (e.g., race and various healthcare symptoms), alterable size(e.g., child or adult), some physiological signals, along with apparentor actual motion of body parts.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent fromthe following detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, illustrating, by way of example, the principlesof the invention.

All patents, patent applications, provisional applications, andpublications referred to or cited herein, or from which a claim forbenefit of priority has been made, are incorporated herein by referencein their entirety to the extent they are not inconsistent with theexplicit teachings of this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantagesand objects of the invention are obtained, a more particular descriptionof the invention briefly described above will be rendered by referenceto specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appendeddrawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typicalembodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered tobe limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explainedwith additional specificity and detail through the use of theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a shell of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a bed system of an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 4 shows a top-view sample layout of the placement of the projectorsof the imaging system of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows an illustration of example torso dimensions.

FIG. 6 shows a first design example design for Torso Projection having aSingle Mirror Path Folding.

FIG. 7 shows a second design example design for Torso Projection havinga Dual Mirror Path Folding.

FIG. 8 shows a third design example for Torso Projection having a SingleMirror Crossfire Configuration.

FIG. 9 shows a first design example for Legs Projection having SingleMirror Path Folding.

FIG. 10 shows a second design example for Legs Projection having DualMirror Path Folding.

FIG. 11 shows a design example for an optical touch sensing device.

FIG. 12 shows a design example for an optical touch sensing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention will be described.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the patient simulator 5 for healthcaretraining hereinafter referred to as the Physical-Virtual Patient Bed(PVPB) system. The PVPB system 5 includes a translucent or transparentpatient shell 10 secured to a patient bed system 12. The shell 10 isilluminated from below by one or more image projectors 20 in the bedsystem 12 adapted to render dynamic patient imagery onto the underneathof the shell 10 so that the image appears on the surface of the shell 10in a realistic manner. One or more computing units 16 including memoryand a processor unit communicate with the projectors 20 and othersensory devices 22 and interactive devices 24 to provide the interactivesimulation. Sensory devices 22 and interactive devices 24 include, butare not limited to, optical touch sensing devices, targeted temperaturefeedback devices, audio-based tactile sense of pulse devices, andspatial audio components with signal processing device to simulate vitalsigns. The PVPB system 5 further includes interchangeable human shells10 and parts of human shells representing body parts capable of beingsecured via a mounting device 14 to the patient bed system 12 withouthaving to change out the expensive and sensitive components (20, 22, 24)that remain fixed in the patient bed system 12.

The patient simulator 5 combines physical (e.g., patient shell) andvirtual (e.g, imaging, sensory) realities. The PVPB system 5 preferablyuses a real (or realistic) hospital bed 12, modified to include a pronehuman-shaped mannequin in the form of a shell 10, such as a vacuform(vacuum formed material) patient “shell” that is illuminated from belowby one or more image projectors 20 (e.g. digital projectors) that renderdynamic patient imagery onto the rear (underneath) of the shell 10. Theeffect is that nearby humans (e.g., nurses in training, students) cansee a dynamic physical-virtual “patient” lying in bed, where the imagingsystem provides for the patient to exhibit lifelike facial expressions(while talking, etc.), lifelike skin color (e.g., to convey race orsymptoms), realistic wounds, etc. Projectors 20, when mounted as a rearprojection system, allow for materials such as blankets, clothing-likecoverings, and various healthcare components or devices to be placedover the physical-virtual patient in the bed 12 and to not interferewith the projected images.

To add to the interactivity and enhance healthcare training simulation,further embodiments of the PVPB system also include touch sensing (e.g.,from hands or medical devices) via a sensor system 22 for the “skin”(e.g., via various optical approaches), and skin temperature control(e.g., via temperature-controlled air streams directed to the undersideof the shell) via interactive devices 24. Further interactive devices24, such as audio or other active sources (e.g., via speakers under thebed, pointing up toward the shell) may be used to add audible or tactilesignals such as a heartbeat or pulse.

The interactive devices 24, such as targeted temperature feedbackdevices, audio-based tactile sense of pulse devices, and spatial audiocomponents with signal processing device may be provided to simulatevital signs. The targeted temperature feedback over the surface of thebody provides numerous advantages. The temperature-controlled forced airin select areas of a rear-projection surface, e.g., a human body,uniquely conveys temperature information to users. From a healthcarestandpoint (as an example) skin temperature, when combined with visualappearance and behavior, can be an important symptom of shock or fever.The audio-based tactile sense of pulse uniquely uses multiplesurface-mounted acoustic emitters (speakers or similar transducers) andassociated signal processing to provide a tactile sense of movement at a“phantom” location (a location other than the emitters). This method maybe used to simulate the feeling of a pulse in the wrist or neck, forexample, without the need for transducers mounted at the exact point ofthe tactile sense. The separately-mounted spatial audio components andsignal processing are uniquely used to provide a sense of a soundemanating from “within” a rear-projection surface, when sensed on thesurface. This feature may be used, for example, to simulate a heartbeatand breathing emanating from within the body, heard through astethoscope placed on the surface of the body (the rear-projection humanform/shell). The technique may be used to simulate anomalies such aslabored breathing, pneumonia, or heart anomalies (e.g., a valveprolapse).

The shell 10 may be comprised of variations of shapes of humans, ornon-human shapes, to accommodate “synthetic animatronics”—the appearanceof multiple and/or changing postures such as head (e.g., turning thehead), or limbs (e.g., rotating the hand/arm). Because the imageprojectors 20 are located in the bed system 12 underneath the shell 10,a variety of shells 10 may be provided to allow for a wide range ofpatient simulators 5 without the increased cost and complexity of havingimaging projectors 20 and electronics (e.g., sensor system 22,interactive devices 24, CPU 16) in each simulator. To that end, avariety of such patient shells 10 may be substituted/exchanged on thebed system 12, to allow, for example, different sized humans (e.g., thinor heavy, adult or child) or missing limbs (e.g., from an accident oramputation). This substitution may be accomplished, for example, bymounting via a suitable mounting device 14 the patient shells 10 inuniformly sized rigid frames that can be locked into place in the bed10. Other suitable mounting devices 14 are also contemplated herein,such as brackets, fasteners, coupling members that allow for securelymounting and interchanging the patient shells 10. The rear-projectionhuman form uniquely employs interchangeable human bodies and body parts.This feature will accommodate different genders, ages, and healthcareconditions. Examples include a child (small body), an obese person, andan amputee. Among other advantages, this approach offers a lightweightand simple (no attached electronics) approach to rapidly changing thesimulated physical-virtual patient. The human shell forms themselves canbe relatively inexpensive and robust. The expensive and sensitivecomponents remain fixed under the bed system.

Other combinations/variations of imaging systems and techniques, used inlieu of or in addition to the imaging system 20 include the use ofShader Lamps—front (top) projection onto a static mannequin, the use offlexible displays (e.g., OLED), and the like, especially in retrofitsituations. For example, front/top projection onto a robotic HumanPatient Simulator (HPS) would add to the complete physiologicalsimulation afforded by typical HPS units. Other retrofit techniques maybe used to support synthetic animatronics, skin temperature changes, ortouch sensing.

In an example embodiment, the shell 10 is made to serve as a rearprojection screen in the form of a 3D figure of a human. The shell 10may be molded from a translucent moldable material, such as plastic. Inaccordance with an embodiment, shell 10 comprises vacuformable material.A number of suitable vacuformable materials may be chosen such asacrylic, butyrate, and PETG (glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate)which is a copolyester that may be a clear amorphous thermoplastic. Theunderneath surface 10 b of the shell 10 may be coated with a rearprojection screen material to permit better visualization of the imagethrough to the top surface 10 a projected by imaging system 20, and/orbetter optical sensing of touch through to the top surface 10 a via thesensor system 22.

One or more openings may be provided on the back 10 c of the shell 10 toallow for better projection of images by the imaging system 20 in thebed system 12 onto the underneath surface 10 b. Alternatively, part,most, or the entire back side 10 c of the shell 10 may be removed, suchthat the shell 10 comprises only an upper slice (e.g., approximately ½)of a prone human figure having a partially or fully open back 10 c. Theedge of the open back 10 c of the shell 10 may be secured to a frame 18or other rigid support device, so that the frame 18 can then be easily,securely, and interchangeably mounted to a corresponding mounting device14 of the bed system 12.

For example, a human shaped vacuform “shell” 10 can be obtained from aprovider who produces special effects for theme parks, museums, tradeshows and special events (e.g., PeopleVisionFX of Roselle, N.J.). Inorder to better provide for imaging and interactivity, the vacuform“shell” 10 may be sliced from head to toe longitudinally (line A of FIG.2) opening the back side 10 c to allow projection of the images throughthe opening, as shown in FIG. 2. It may also be separated at the waist(line B of FIG. 2) to allow for movement (e.g., bending at the waist) orother separations may be provided for movement of other body parts. Theshell 10 with the cut-away back side 10 c may then be mounted on a frame18 or similar device that can be secured into place on the bed system12. Proper mounting and placement of the shell 10 with respect to thebed system 12 and imaging system 20 comprise proper alignment,registration, and focus of the projected image onto the underneathsurface 10 b of the shell 10. Alignment and registration marks may beprovided on the shell or as part of the frame 18 and/or mounting system14.

The projectors 20 (e.g., digital projectors) that render dynamic patientimagery onto the underneath 10 b of the shell 10 are designed andproperly placed to project through the open back 10 c of the shell 10.The projectors 20 may be placed in respective/corresponding openings 26in the upper 12 a and lower 12 b bed mattress support areas. The slicedshell 10 may be mounted rigidly to a rectangular or similarly shapedframe 18 that that will mate with (attach to) a corresponding mountingdevice (e.g., frame) 14 on the bed system 12. The frame 14 may include arigid “fill” material (e.g., plastic) that extends from the frame 14 tothe shell 10.

In an example embodiment (see FIG. 3), the bed system 12 includes anupper assembly 12 a and a lower assembly 12 b. The upper assembly 12 amay resemble a standard hospital bed or gurney. The lower assemblyhouses the electronics (e.g., imaging system 20, sensor system 22, andinteractive devices 24). It may be specifically manufactured orretrofitted from a standard hospital bed (e.g., a Pocket Nurse® FullElectric Hospital Bed, of Monaca, Pa.). In certain embodiments, thehospital bed can be modified to allow only one point of articulationat/across the “waist” with all other articulation restrictedmechanically. Height adjustment may be maintained/allowed. Whenretrofitting, the mattress support area in the upper assembly 12 a iscut/modified to provide one or more openings 26 through which theimaging system 20 can project imagery from below onto the underside 10 bof the shell 10. Opening(s) 26 are placed and sized to properly projectthe imagery from the imaging system 20 through the mounting device 14onto the underneath 10 b of the shell 10. The opening(s) 26 cut insupport area may be placed and sized to mate with the frame 18 of theshell 10 using a corresponding frame or similar mount 14.

The lower assembly 12 b is designed to support and house the electronics(e.g., imaging system 20, sensor system 22, interactive devices 24, CPU16). In an embodiment, a platform such as a strong horizontal “shelf’ orother mounting structure may be rigidly affixed to the upper and lowerbed portions, mounted to the underside of the bed. The chosen supportarrangement may allow for lateral, horizontal and vertical adjustmentsof the electronics. For flexibility and customization, the platform maybe in the form of an “optical breadboard” (metal “pegboard”) such asthose manufactured by Thorlabs Inc. of Newton, N.J., that will permitrepositioning of electronics, projectors, cameras, mirrors, etc. Rigid,passive, or active vibration damping may also be provided. The designmay accommodate folded optics arrangement with projectors and camerasbelow so they can be mounted horizontally on the optical breadboard, andthe imagery can be reflected to the underside of the vacuform shell 10.

Alternatively, the design may include “sleds” (mounting units) forprojectors, cameras, and mirrors so that they can be moved around on theoptical breadboard, and clamped down when in place. Sleds for projectorsmay provide a mechanism to mount wide angle adapters for projectors(such as wide-angle conversion lens that fit in front of the projector'sstandard lens allowing a projection image that is 50% larger than theprojector's standard lens at the same distance (e.g., the SSC065 MiniScreenStar Wide Angle Converter (0.65×) by Navitar, Inc. Rochester,N.Y.). Adjustability of the optical sleds (mirrors, cameras, projectors)may include one or more of the following: translate in 2D on the opticalbreadboard, rotate about an axis coming out of the breadboardperpendicular, tilt up and down out of the plane of the breadboard. COTSsleds/mounts may be used for mirrors.

The imaging system 20 provides the virtual effects for a more realisticexperience. A wide variety of projectors may be used to obtain theseeffects. The imaging may be aligned, registered, stabilized, andcontrolled using image processing software in a controller or CPU 16 incommunication with the imaging system 20. Computer generated graphicsmay be used to create one or more images for projection. A mediacontroller (separate from or part of CPU 16) may be operable to controlmedia supplied to the imaging system 20 via communication means (e.g.,wired/wireless) and therefore projection of a particular image/imagestream. Media may be retrieved from a plurality of stored and/ordynamically generated media, suitable for the particular trainingexercise.

The imaging system 20 comprises one or more projectors coupled to asupport platform (via breadboard) in the lower assembly 12 b. Theplatform provides a rigid support such that once the shell 10 andprojector(s) of the imaging system 20 are arranged with properalignment, registration, and focus, and the optical components aresufficiently calibrated (e.g., the geometric and photometricparameters), the projected image will properly project onto theunderneath surface 10 b of the shell 10 and show through on to the topsurface 10 a of the shell 10. An example projector includes the AAXA M2micro projector from AAXA Technologies of Tustin, Calif., which can beused with an adapter (e.g., a Vivitar adapter) for WFOV (Wide Field OfView). LED projectors may be chosen for reliability, consistency, shortthrow, non-critical resolution, lighting, etc. Since the human shell 10can have different images projected on different parts thereof, aplurality of projectors may be used. The projectors can be arranged tohave projector overlap on the “shell” surface (which may be minimal).

For the purpose of touch sensing for the simulator, the sensor system 22may provide for camera-based optical touch technology, such as opticaltouch sensing device 32, 40 detect the presence of a touching object,including traditional infrared, waveguide infrared, vision-based, LCDIn-cell Optical, or the like (see FIGS. 11 and 12). The term “camera” 30is used in optical touch to designate an assembly that typicallyincludes a housing, image sensor, cable, lens, and IR filter. Dependingon the system architecture, a camera 30 may also include an IR lightsource (for retro-reflective systems) and an image processor. Advantagesof certain features include this body-specific optical touch sensingover the entire human body form and its unusual topology. Specificallythe system employs novel multiple overlapping infrared light sources andimage forming cameras to cover and decode touch over a non-parametricsurface, with shape discontinuities and occlusions, such as occurs witha touch surface in the shape of the human body.

For example, in an embodiment, the camera units may be mounted in thebed system 12, with distinct optical paths from the projectors (e.g.,folded optical paths). Each camera unit may comprise a pair of camerasarranged with a cold mirror such that IR light only is passed to onecamera (e.g., used for touch sensing), and visible light (only) ispassed to the other camera (e.g., used for calibration of the visibleprojector imagery), where the latter may use an IR cut filter on thecamera. Mirrors may be used for folding projector and (if desired)camera unit optical paths. The camera arrangement may use COTS mirrorunits that already mate with the optical breadboard, and accommodatedifferent sized mirrors. The underside of the bed may include a form ofIR illumination source to illuminate (IR) the underneath 10 a of thehuman shell 10 for the purpose of touch sensing of the sensor system 22.An example of touch sensing using a spherical display prototype that hastouch-sensing capabilities with an infrared camera that shares theoptical path with the projector without shadowing or occlusion problemsis described in “Sphere: A Multi-Touch Interactive Spherical Display” byBenko, Wilson and Balakrishnan (See research.microsoft.com),incorporated herein by reference. The IR light 28 would preferablyemanate from near the cameras 30 (or a comparable optical path, so thatreflected light returns to the camera), cover the area imaged by thecamera, and be sufficiently bright to illuminate close objects on theopposite side—the outside/top/upper part 10 a of the shell 10. Forexample, IR ring lights may be used provided the distance/range issufficient (see FIGS. 11-12).

The invention provides a novel overall systems/methods for traininghealthcare professionals that combines the visual and physical shape toafford dynamic visual patient appearance (e.g., behavior, emotion,symptoms or pathology); body-specific optical touch sensing over theentire human body form and its unusual topology; interchangeable humanbodies and body parts to accommodate, for example, different genders,ages, and healthcare conditions; targeted temperature feedback over thesurface of the body; a tactile sense of pulse; and aural senses of aheartbeat and breathing (including anomalies for both).

The following is an example PVPB system 5, with reference to FIGS. 4-10.The dimensions used herein are examples only. The actual dimensionswould be adjusted to accommodate the actual components and shell size.

Example Projector Specifications: Aaxa M2 Projector. Measurements(W×D×H): 132×125×47 mm. At 68.5″ distance, image was 34″ wide and 26″tall (without conversion lens). At 68.5″ distance, image was 50″ wideand 38″ tall (with conversion lens). Throw Ratio:

$R = {\frac{d}{w} = \frac{1}{2{\tan\left( \frac{a}{2} \right)}}}$where α is the horizontal/vertical projection angle, d is the distancefrom the projector to the surface, and w is the width or height. Therecan be a vertical offset, so the bottom of the projected images lines upwith center of lens.

Example Camera Specifications: Basler Ace acA2000-50gc. Measurements(W×D×H): 29×42×29 mm. 2048×1088 pixel @ 50 fps. Gigabit Ethernetinterface with PoE. Interchangeable C-mount lenses should support avariety of mounting distances.

Example Projector Placement and Configuration: FIG. 4 shows a roughlayout, in the top-view, of the proposed placement. In this example,seven projectors (P1 to P7) span the portion of the bed surface thatwill be occupied by the patient “shell” 10. Specifically, P1 covers thehead, P2 through p5 cover the torso, and P6, P7 cover the legs. Sincethe bed ‘articulates,’ projectors P1 through P5 are mounted accordinglyso they remain ‘static’ with respect to the articulated top half of thebed. In order to achieve the above-mentioned design, two differentconfigurations are contemplated. The design is divided into ‘Torso’ and‘Legs’ for convenience. The ‘head’ design is not highlighted herein, butmay be very similar to those proposed for legs or torso.

Example Torso with Average Human Measurements: (See FIG. 5) Shoulderwidth: approximately 18″=457.2 mm; Chest height (above mattress):approximately 4.5″=114.3 mm; Torso height: approximately 30″=762 mm. Fora design with 4 projectors covering the complete torso, horizontal imagewidth at the torso is approximately 15″=381 mm; vertical image height isapproximately 11.28″=286.5 mm.

FIG. 6 shows a first design example design for Torso Projection having aSingle Mirror Path Folding (Design 1). The throw ratio of the projectorsmakes it difficult to achieve a direct projection without dropping themwell beneath the surface of the bed. As a result, it was decided to usemirrors to fold the path of the projection, thereby allowing us to mountthe projectors closer to the bed surface. FIG. 6 shows an example‘to-scale’ version of the projection. The projectors are mountedhorizontally facing inward under the outer edges of the bed, withmirrors on the inside to achieve the desired projection as shown. Themeasurements are shown in the following table:

TABLE 1 Single Mirror Path Folding (Design 1) Projector Mirror heightDistance Mirror Projector (from base of (from Dimension Mirror Pair bedsurface) projector) (length) Angle 1 (P4, P5) 420.5 mm 250 mm 217.7 mm 56° (16.5″) (9.84″) (8.54″) 2 (P2, P3) 420.5 mm 250 mm 210.5 mm −56°(16.5″) (9.84″) (8.28″)

FIG. 7 shows a second design example design for Torso Projection havinga Dual Mirror Path Folding. This design involves the use of two mirrorsto fold the path of the projection, thereby allowing mounting of theprojectors even closer to the bed surface. FIG. 7 shows an example‘to-scale’ version of the projection. The projectors are verticallyfacing upward mounted under the outer-edges of the bed, with mirrors asshown to achieve the desired projection as shown. The measurements areshown in the following table:

TABLE 2 Dual Mirror Path Folding (Design 2) Projector Mirror heightDistance Mirror Projector (from base of (from Dimensions Mirror Pair bedsurface) projector) (length) Angle 1 (P4, P5) 282.5 mm M1: 76 mm M1:112.5 mm M1: 16° (11.1″) (2.99″) (4.42″) M2: 16° M2: 223.5 mm (8.79″) 2(P2, P3) 282.5 mm M3: 76 mm M3: 112.5 mm M3: −16° (11.1″) (2.99″)(4.42″) M4: −16° M4: 215.9 mm (8.5″)

FIG. 8 shows a third design example for Torso Projection having a SingleMirror Crossfire Configuration. This design uses the projectors in a“cross-fire” configuration, i.e. each projector illuminates the torsoside that is laterally opposite to the projector's mounting position.FIG. 8 shows an example ‘to-scale’ version of the projection. Thisplacement leaves a greater buffer zone from the projectors to the edgeof the bed, potentially allowing a future placement of the patient shellcloser to one side of the bed. The measurements are shown in thefollowing table:

TABLE 3 Single Mirror Crossfire Configuration (Design 3) ProjectorMirror height Distance Mirror Projector (from base of (from DimensionsMirror Pair bed surface) projector) (length) Angle 1 (P4, P5) 284.8 mm163 mm 137.1 mm  14° (11.21″) (6.42″) (5.4″) 2 (P2, P3) 284.8mm 163 mm133 mm −14° (11.21″) (6.42″) (5.24″)

FIG. 9 shows a first design example for Legs Projection having SingleMirror Path Folding. FIG. 10 shows a second design example for LegsProjection having Dual Mirror Path Folding. Two projectors may be usedto cover the legs. The vertical image width at the torso may be about12″˜=300 mm; the horizontal image height may be about 15′″˜=392 mm. Thesame designs as those used for the torso can be used here.

Example Camera Unit and IR Illumination Placement and Configuration: Theexact placement of the cameras (camera units) and associated coldmirrors, IR illumination, etc. may be determined based on the chosenshell and projector configuration. The following are two possibilitiesin regards to camera placement: (1) Placing them in-line with theprojectors, looking into the mirrors at the projected image. This woulduse 7 cameras. (2) Mount them between the mirrors looking upwards. Theplacement of the mirrors may take the desired camera positions intoaccount in order to not obstruct their view. Generally, the whole bodycould be covered by 3 cameras. To quantify the required lens focallengths, the best and worst case can be considered for covering thecomplete torso with one upward-facing camera (possibility 2). Smallerfocal lengths of the lens will increase the magnitude of non-lineardistortions towards the edges of the image. This may result in a reducedperipheral resolution and more complicated calibration procedures. Thefollowing table lists the focal lengths for the lenses and possiblemodels that fulfill these requirements

TABLE 4 Camera Unit Placement: Desired image Mounting width/height atRequired Lens Distance distance Focal Length Lens Model 282.5 mm 762 ×457.2 mm 3.24 mm Fujinon (11.02″) FE185C086HA 2.7 mm F/1.8 420.3 mm 762× 457.2 mm 4.85 mm Pentax C30405KP (16.55″) 4.8 mm F/1.8

An exemplary system for implementing the invention includes a computingdevice or a network of computing devices. In a basic configuration,computing device may include any type of stationary computing device ora mobile computing device. Computing device typically includes at leastone processing unit and system memory. Computing device may also haveinput device(s) such as a keyboard, mouse, pen, voice input device,touch input device, etc. Output device(s) such as a display, speakers,printer, etc. may also be included. A computing device also containscommunication connection(s) that allow the device to communicate withother computing devices and the PVPB system, for example over a networkor a wireless network.

It should be understood that the examples and embodiments describedherein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modificationsor changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in theart and are to be included within the spirit and purview of thisapplication.

We claim:
 1. A patient simulation system for healthcare training,comprising: A shell comprising a physical anatomical model of at least aportion of a patient's body, the shell adapted to be illuminated frombehind to provide one or more dynamic images viewable on the outersurface of the shell; a support system adapted to receive the shell viaa mounting system, wherein the support system comprises one or moreimage units adapted to render the one or more dynamic images viewable onthe outer surface of the shell; one or more interface devices includingone or more optical touch sensing devices located about the patientshell to receive input and provide output; and one or more computingunits in communication with the image units and interface devices, thecomputing units adapted to provide an interactive simulation forhealthcare training; wherein the one or more image units comprise one ormore projectors and one or more mirrors coupled to a support in thelower assembly and arranged with proper alignment, registration, andfocus, so that a projected image will properly project onto theunderneath surface of the shell and show through on to the outer surfaceof the shell; and wherein camera units adapted for camera-based opticaltouch technology having infrared light to cover the area imaged by thecamera are placed in-line with the projectors, looking into the mirrorsat the projected image, to allow for optical touch sensing over theentire shell.
 2. The patient simulation system of claim 1, wherein theshell is at least in part translucent or transparent for illuminationfrom behind by the one or more image units.
 3. The patient simulationsystem of claim 1, wherein the shell comprises one or moreinterchangeable human-shaped shells and interchangeable parts ofhuman-shaped shells representing body parts, adapted to be secured viathe mounting system to the support system.
 4. The patient simulationsystem of claim 1, wherein an underneath surface of the shell comprisesrear projection screen material to permit better visualization of theone or more dynamic images viewable on the outer surface of the shell.5. The patient simulation system of claim 1, wherein the shell comprisesone or more openings on a back side thereof to allow for unobstructedrendering of the one or more dynamic images by the one or more imageunits.
 6. The patient simulation system of claim 1, wherein the shellcomprises one or more upper longitudinal slices of a prone human figurehaving a partially or fully open back to allow for unobstructedrendering of the one or more dynamic images by the one or more imageunits.
 7. The patient simulation system of claim 1, wherein the shellcomprises one or more additional separations or flexible portions toallow for movement of the shell via an articulating support systemappropriate for the body and posture.
 8. The patient simulation systemof claim 2, wherein the one or more image units render dynamic patientimagery from behind onto an underneath of the shell so that the one ormore images viewable on the outer surface of the shell simulate viewableconditions including one or more of skin color, skin condition, andfacial expressions.
 9. The patient simulation system of claim 1, whereinthe one or more interface devices further comprise one or moreinteractive devices, and output devices that simulate a physiologicaloutput.
 10. The patient simulation system of claim 9, wherein the one ormore interface devices comprise the one or more optical touch sensingdevices, targeted temperature feedback devices, audio-based tactilesense of pulse devices, and spatial audio components with signalprocessing to simulate vital signs.
 11. The patient simulation system ofclaim 1, wherein the support system comprises an upper assembly adaptedto resemble a standard hospital bed or gurney, and a lower assemblyadapted to house the one or more image units, interface devices, andcomputing units.
 12. The patient simulation system of claim 1, wherein aplurality of projectors span the portion of the support system that willbe occupied by the shell and wherein each of the plurality of projectorsare positioned to cover a different portion of the shell.
 13. Thepatient simulation system of claim 1, wherein a plurality of projectorsare adapted for a torso projection having a single mirror path foldingwherein the projectors are mounted horizontally facing inward underouter edges of the support system, with one mirror for each projector onthe inside to achieve a desired projection.
 14. The patient simulationsystem of claim 1, wherein a plurality of projectors are adapted for atorso projection having a dual mirror path folding wherein theprojectors are mounted vertically facing upward under outer edges of thesupport system, with two mirrors for each projector to achieve a desiredprojection.
 15. The patient simulation system of claim 1, wherein aplurality of projectors are adapted for a torso projection having asingle mirror crossfire configuration wherein each projector illuminatesa torso side that is laterally opposite to a mounting position of theprojector to achieve a desired projection.
 16. The patient simulationsystem of claim 1, wherein at least one projector is adapted for a legsprojection having single mirror path folding, wherein the projector ismounted horizontally facing inward under an outer edge of the supportsystem, with a mirror for the projector on the inside to achieve adesired projection; or the at least one projector is adapted for a legsprojection having dual mirror path folding, wherein the projector ismounted vertically facing upward under an outer edge of the supportsystem, with two mirrors for the projector to achieve a desiredprojection.
 17. The patient simulation system of claim 1, wherein cameraunits adapted for camera-based optical touch technology having infraredlight to cover the area imaged by the camera are placed between themirrors looking upwards, to allow for optical touch sensing over theentire shell.
 18. A method for implementing one or more patientsimulations using a patient simulation system having a shell comprisinga physical anatomical model of at least a portion of a patient's bodyand a support system adapted to receive the shell, the methodcomprising: illuminating the shell from behind to provide one or moredynamic images viewable on the outer surface of the shell via one ormore image units adapted to render the one or more dynamic imagesviewable on the outer surface of the shell; interfacing with one or moreinterface devices including one or more optical touch sensing deviceslocated about the patient shell to receive input and provide output aspart of the simulation wherein the one or more image units comprise oneor more projectors and one or more mirrors coupled to a support in thelower assembly and arranged with proper alignment, registration, andfocus, so that a projected image will properly project onto theunderneath surface of the shell and show through on to the outer surfaceof the shell; and camera units adapted for camera-based optical touchtechnology having infrared light to cover the area imaged by the cameraare placed in-line with the projectors, looking into the mirrors at theprojected image, to allow for optical touch sensing over the entireshell; and providing an interactive simulation for healthcare trainingvia one or more computing units in communication with the image unitsand interface devices.